A U.S. congressional panel is set to conduct a hearing on religious freedom in India next week, signaling growing international concern over the state of religious freedoms in the country. The hearing comes amid reports of religious tensions and incidents of discrimination in India, raising questions about the protection of minority religious communities.
The hearing, organized by the U.S. Congressional Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), is scheduled to take place on September 22, 2023. The USCIRF is a bipartisan government body tasked with monitoring religious freedom worldwide and making policy recommendations to the U.S. government.
The panel will convene to examine and discuss the state of religious freedom in India, focusing on issues related to religious discrimination, violence against religious minorities, and the impact of recent legislative changes on religious freedoms.
India has seen several incidents of religious violence and discrimination in recent years, which have drawn international attention. Concerns have been raised over attacks on religious minorities, the treatment of Dalits (formerly known as untouchables), and controversial laws that critics argue could undermine religious freedoms.
Indian officials have previously rejected international criticism, asserting that the country is committed to upholding religious freedoms and ensuring the protection of all religious communities.
The upcoming hearing is expected to feature testimonies from experts, activists, and government representatives, shedding light on various perspectives related to religious freedom in India. It is also anticipated that the USCIRF will make policy recommendations based on the findings of the hearing.
The hearing underscores the international community’s interest in promoting religious freedom and human rights globally. It will also serve as an opportunity for India to engage with the concerns raised and provide insights into its efforts to safeguard religious freedoms within its borders.
As the date of the hearing approaches, it remains to be seen how the discussions and recommendations arising from the panel will impact U.S.-India relations and international perceptions of religious freedom in India.
